An uncompromising man: Master Doug Cook

By Master Erica Linthorst

You may have read his monthly columns in TaeKwonDo Times magazine or one of his books (Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior or Traditional Taekwondo: Core Techniques, History, and Philosophy). On the eve of the publication of his next book, I thought I’d share this interview so you will gain some insights into the man behind the writing, Master Doug Cook.

Hopefully, this interview will inspire you to keep reading as you continue practicing; to seek information from many sources; and to search for the meaning that motivates you.


Q1. FOR OUR READERS, PLEASE TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU FIRST BECAME INVOLVED IN MARTIAL ARTS AND WHY YOU FOCUSED ON TAEKWONDO.

MDC: My father was a pacifist minister who was concerned about protecting his family. Although not a fighter myself, I did believe that there is more to fighting arts – an intellectual, thinking context where one could develop a quiet confidence that comes with training. Like most people, I didn’t know the difference between training styles. But the steadfast and focused practice of TKD blended with my personality. I was a late beginner – entering the field in my 30’s.

Q2. WHAT WAS YOUR LIFE BALANCE DURING YOUR TKD STUDENT YEARS? HOW DID THAT BALANCE SHIFT OVER TIME? WHY?

MDC: I guess it was a matter of right time, right place. I believe in the I Ching paradigm “Everything happens in its appointed time.” I was president of a large company in NYC but in an industry that was dying. I had the chance to train, and in the beginning it was only on Wednesdays and Sundays. As the industry faltered, my commitment to training grew (’93-’94). I switched jobs so that I would have greater opportunity to train. Ultimately, I followed what my heart said and in 1997 with voices echoing “Go slow and steady” I opened the school: Chosun TaeKwonDo Academy.

Q3. WHO HAS INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED YOU? HOW?

MDC: When I was a yellow belt I read Grand Master Richard Chun’s Advancing in Martial Arts. At that time, for me, thinking, practice, and dedication were very important. By association, I met Grand Master Byung Min Kim, who’s technical precision was something to behold and try to emulate. Grand Master Jung Chul Lee was also influential in my training and my worn copy of The Making of a Master by Sang Kyu Shim is testimony to how much I learned and to which I often refer nowadays as well.


Q4. WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU HAD SOMETHING BIGGER TO OFFER TO MARTIAL ARTS ENTHUSIASTS AND HOW DID THAT MANIFEST ITSELF?


MDC: I have been journaling for over 30 years and see writing as one of my strengths. After reading Chun and Shim (above) I had to write an essay for my 1st dan . I called it “In the Shadow of the Hwarang”. Although it was only about 4 pages, it evolved into my first book, Taekwondo: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior. I had and continue to develop a strong appreciation for the Korean culture and wanted to communicate its underlying importance to the practice of TKD.



Q5. YOU HAVE BEEN A SUCCESSFUL COLUMNIST FOR TaeKwonDo Times MAGAZINE FOR MANY NOW AND YOU HAVE ALSO PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED TWO WELL-RESEARCHED AND HIGHLY-ACCLAIMED BOOKS. AS YOU ARE ABOUT TO PUBLISH YOUR THIRD BOOK, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US THE MOTIVATION TO BRING IT TO MARKET? WITHOUT TELLING ALL, CAN YOU PLEASE TEMPT US WITH SOME OF THE UNDERLYING THEMES?

MDC: My first book emphasized philosophy; the second focused on technique. In both cases I not only saw a need to bring this information to the general public but found that my students and magazine readership kept asking for more. Distilled to its essence, TaeKwonDo should be practices with intent; not in combat or to inflict injury. When Grand Master Richard Chun said “We have to practice purpose” I took it to heart. So Taekwondo: A Path to Excellence emphasizes the doctrine of purpose; realizing excellence through sincere practice; and taking lessons learned over time to share.



Q6. WOULD YOU LEAVE US WITH A FEW WORDS OF INSPIRATION?

MDC: Taekwondo is a grand mosaic. If you do not recognize all pieces, then there is a gap. Accept TKD as a whole practice with all of its parts and, VISIT KOREA!

About the Author:
Master Erica Linthorst, World Taekwondo Federation fifth-dan, has earned all her black belts at the Kukkiwon. She lived with her family in Korea for six years, then moved to Japan where she was the only foreigner to run a long-term successful TKD program for five years. While passionate about Tae Kwon Do, she has also studied Aikido and KumYeDo (Korean swordsmanship). She currently lives in New York and travels frequently.

And I'm proud to call her my good friend!  ka